N.Y. and N.J. Announce Rail Security Plan

August 1, 2007

The nation's first public-private "freight rail security partnership" has been announced between rail hauler CSX Transportation and homeland security officials in New Jersey and New York.

The partnership will not increase surveillance on the region's trains – which have been designated as high risk for a terrorist attack – but will allow investigators to track every CSX tanker in "real time" and predict vulnerable locations, officials say.

"The partnership we are announcing enhances the state's rail security strategy by improving our ability to prevent incidents, as well as to deploy first responders if an incident involving hazardous materials occurs," says Richard Cañas, New Jersey director of Homeland Security and Preparedness.

The agreement allows the government in both states access to CSX's most sensitive information because it is a "logical step" in safeguarding rail activities, Brown says. Noting the majority of infrastructure in the U.S. is privately owned, Brown urges other private companies to cooperate in security initiatives.

The largest private railroad in the eastern United States, CSX operations include 1,950 miles of track, 1,300 grade crossings, more than a dozen rail yards and terminals in the two states. More than half the rail freight shipped through New Jersey every year is handled by CSX.

Despite the huge volume of traffic, officials previously had no direct access to manifests that would identify the contents of any given tanker car, despite that fact that the trains commonly transport hazardous chemicals through the state. A ruptured tanker carrying deadly chlorine, for example, could create a cloud of toxic gas lethal enough to liquefy the lungs of people up to 25 miles away, according to government estimates.

Given the region's massive population density, an accident or act of sabotage would affect literally millions of people.

Since 9/11, anti-terrorism officials have considered various plans to secure the region's rail system. More than $3 million was spent in New Jersey last year, installing cameras and fencing in key freight yards.

Under the new partnership, CSX will give New York and New Jersey law enforcement officials access to its Network Operations Workstation tracking system, which provides location, contents and point of origin for each car. Railroad employees are also training with law enforcement. Homeland security is seeking cooperation from other regional rail carriers.

- National Terrorism Preparedness Institute

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